Office of Digital Learning updates

Welcome back to campus for the fall 2024 semester! The Office of Digital Learning (ODL) is here to support you in various areas, including instructional design, instructional technology, course development, classroom technology, and more. Here are some important updates to help you prepare:

Faculty professional development trainings

We have a full slate of faculty development offerings scheduled for the fall term, including trainings on educational technology tools like WebCampus, TopHat, Zoom, and Respondus, as well as pedagogy-based workshops. Learn more about upcoming offerings and register for sessions by visiting ODL's Workshop Registrations page.

In fall 2024, ODL will also be hosting a special workshop series. Learn more by visiting ODL’s Faculty Development page!

Kaltura retained as video platform for WebCampus

After careful deliberation as part of the RFP process, the University will retain Kaltura as the platform which provides video functionality within WebCampus. Our new licensing allows for auto-captioning of all content and better content management capabilities. Stay tuned for more information and capabilities to be rolled out later in the term and over winter break. Faculty can contact ODL with any questions, additional information, or support needs. 

Student Response System – Top Hat pilot program

We are now officially in the first year of the centrally-funded pilot program with Top Hat. The pilot program gives the University a 2-year enterprise license, which means that all faculty and instructors are able to use this tool and there will be no cost for students.

Faculty are now able to fully utilize Top Hat in their courses. For tutorials and information, please see our Student response Systems page.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance for Faculty

ODL has developed guidance help faculty approach generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which you can find on our Faculty Guide: Understanding and Integrating Generative AI in Teaching webpage. This resource is designed to help faculty understand what generative AI is, how students might be using it, and how instructors can revise and create assignments to either deter unauthorized use or harness its potential in constructive ways. 

Coursera

The University has partnered with Coursera to provide access to enhanced career development programs to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The University is sponsoring licenses for Coursera courses and microcredentials through the Coursera Career Academy, where you can select from a variety of online professional training courses and microcredentials. Visit ODL’s Coursera webpage to learn more.

Digital Wolf Pack Initiative

Faculty can request iPads through the Digital Wolf Pack Initiative to use in the instruction. Faculty who already possess devices are encouraged to participate in DWPI faculty development events and the Faculty Ambassador program.

ODL is dedicated to supporting you throughout the term. Reach out for questions, information, training requests, or consultations via email at odl@unr.edu, phone (775) 682-6798, or visit us at our suite on the fourth floor of the Knowledge Center in room 411.

Wishing you a successful start to the fall 2024 semester!